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Explaining “You can't have your cake and eat it too.”
Anwar Kareem 15/11/2024, 14:01English.me team member
What does it mean?
The phrase means you cannot have both options in a situation where you must choose one over the other. It suggests that you cannot enjoy the benefits of both options simultaneously.
Tone
Advisory, cautionary
Origin
The phrase dates back to the 16th century, with the earliest recorded usage in a letter from Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, in 1538.
Examples of usage
- John wants to save more money, but he also keeps spending on luxury items. His friend told him, "You can't have your cake and eat it too."
- Sarah wants a high-paying job, but she also wants a lot of free time to travel. Her mentor reminded her, "You can't have your cake and eat it too."
- He wants to be treated like an adult but still enjoy the carefree life of a teenager. Someone needs to tell him that he can't have his cake and eat it too.
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